Push-to-charge lancing device

ABSTRACT

A lancing device having improved charging features. In one example embodiment, the charging mechanism generally includes a user actuated portion or charging member and a cam feature for engagement therewith. The charging member includes a finger projection or boss and the cam feature includes a ramped surface. Actuating the charging member causes the finger projection to movably engage the ramp surface of the cam feature and charge the drive mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/755,634 filed Jan. 23, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a lancing device for blood sampling and testing having a charging mechanism that is actuated by pressing an actuator inward relative to the device's housing.

BACKGROUND

Lancing devices are utilized for penetrating the skin of a human or animal subject at a lancing site to obtain a sample of blood or other body fluid for medical testing, as in blood-typing or blood-glucose testing. Known lancing devices commonly include a housing containing a drive mechanism, a charging mechanism for energizing the spring or other drive means of the drive mechanism, and a release mechanism for releasing the drive mechanism upon actuation. U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US 2011/0196261 and U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US 2010/0160942, which are incorporated herein by reference, show example lancing devices.

A lancet is typically propelled by the drive mechanism from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position wherein a sharp tip portion of the lancet projects from the housing to prick the subject's skin at a desired lancing site. Many known lancing devices use a drive mechanism that are charged or energized by sliding or pulling the drive mechanism to a retracted position, typically requiring a large amount of space along the outside of the lancing device for an actuating portion of the charging mechanism to move across. Other known lancing devices use a drive mechanism that is charged or energized by pushing a button or pulling a handle on the back of the device, which requires a user to have to move the position of the lancing device in their hand between charging and releasing the drive mechanism. Furthermore, charging the drive mechanism by pulling the charging mechanism away from the body of the lancing device can present challenges to users with reduced manual dexterity, and may require the subject or user to use two hands to hold the device body and pull the handle until the device is charged and ready to activate.

Accordingly, needs exist for improved systems and methods for charging lancing devices. It is to the provision of improved lancing devices and methods of operation and use thereof that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a lancing device having improved charging features. Additional example embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods of charging a lancing device.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a lancing device including a housing, a lancet carrier translationally mounted at least partially within an interior of the housing, and a charging mechanism including an actuator operable by pushing toward the interior of the housing to retract the lancet carrier toward a charged position.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a lancing device including a charging mechanism for retracting and charging a lancet carrier. The charging mechanism includes a charging lever and a cam and follower arrangement that retracts and charges the lancet carrier. The charging lever includes a rocker having a finger projection and the cam follower includes a ramped or arcuate surface. Preferably, actuation of the charging lever causes the finger projection to movably engage the ramped surface, subsequently retracting the lancet carrier to the charged state.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a charging mechanism for a lancing device. The charging mechanism includes an actuation member having an interface portion projecting external of the lancing device, a finger projection extending therein, and a cam feature including a ramped surface mounted to the lancet carrier for removable engagement with the finger projection. Preferably, pressure on the interface portion moves the finger projection into the lancing device and further engages the ramped surface of the lancet carrier, subsequently retracting the lancet carrier to the charged state. In one aspect, the actuation member is pivotal about a first axis and the lancet carrier is mounted to translate along a second axis generally transverse the first axis. In another aspect, the actuation member is mounted to translate along a first axis and the lancet carrier is mounted to translate along a second axis generally transverse the first axis. The ramped surface of the cam feature can be substantially non-linear or substantially linear.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a charging mechanism for a lancing device having a lancet carrier that is movable along a lancing stroke. The charging mechanism includes a pivotally mounted actuating member and a cam mechanism. The pivotally mounted actuating member is pivotal about a first axis that is generally transverse to the movement of the lancet carrier along the lancing stroke. The cam mounted to the lancet carrier includes a curved or inclined surface for engagement with a finger projection of the pivotally mounted actuating member. Preferably, actuation of the actuating member causes engagement of the finger projection with the ramped surface of the cam follower, further causing retraction of the lancet carrier to the charged state.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method of charging a lancing device. The method includes pivotally mounting a charging lever relative to the housing of a lancing device, translationally mounting a lancet carrier within a portion of the lancing device, providing a ramped or curved follower surface on a portion of the lancet carrier, pressing the charging lever inwardly relative to the lancing device housing to engage the charging lever with the follower surface, and thereby retracting the lancet carrier to charge the lancing device.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a lancing device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the lancing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the lancing device of FIG. 1 with portions of its external housing removed to show internal components thereof.

FIG. 4 is an assembly view of the lancing device of FIG. 1 showing a drive mechanism and a charging mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the drive mechanism of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the drive mechanism of FIG. 4 with the activation button removed.

FIG. 7 is an assembly view of the lancing device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A-D are cross-sectional views of the lancing device of FIG. 1, showing the sequential operational movement of the charging mechanism between a neutral position, a charged position, a ready position, and a fully extended position of the lancing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-8 show a lancing device 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, and generally referring to FIGS. 1-3, the lancing device 10 comprises a generally elongate outer housing 20 having separable upper and lower housing shells 22 a, 22 b, and a forward or proximal end 24 defining a lancet opening through which at least a sharp tip portion of a lancet projects at the extended position of the lancing stroke to penetrate the skin of a subject during the lancing process. In other example embodiments, the housing has other shapes and forms (e.g., disc-shaped, one or more than two shells, etc.). In example forms, the housing holds a lancet carrier 80 that is movably housed within it. In one form, the housing has a lengthwise dimension in a axial direction between its forward end 24 and its rear or distal end 26 which is greater than its side-to-side width in a transverse dimension, which in turn is generally equivalent to or greater than its thickness from top to bottom. The housing can be constructed from a substantially rigid and durable material, for example plastic or composite.

A release button or trigger 30 projects through an opening formed in the housing 20 to release the drive mechanism (shown in FIGS. 5, 6) when depressed, thereby actuating the device to propel the lancet along a lancing stroke from a charged or retracted position within the housing 20 to an extended or lancing position (shown in FIG. 8D) wherein at least the sharp tip portion of the lancet (unshown) projects outwardly of the lancet opening at the proximal end of the housing. In other embodiments, a trigger mechanism is configured to release/actuate the drive in another way such as by a pulling or twisting motion or pressing the lancing device against the lancing site.

Optionally, the lancing device can include an endcap 40 that may be removed for access to a receiver of the lancet carrier, to install and remove lancets therefrom. The endcap 40 may optionally be configured to provide adjustment to the depth of penetration of the lancet projecting therethrough, wherein a portion of the endcap can move relative to another portion of the endcap or to the housing such that the depth of penetration of the lancet into the subject's skin at the lancing site is adjustable. In example forms, the endcap 40 comprises a base member 42, a cover 44 coupled to the base member, and a dial or stop member 46 movably mounted therebetween. In one form, the base member comprises outwardly projecting protrusions along its outer periphery that removably engage portions of the housing such that the endcap 40 can provide adjustment to the depth of penetration of the lancet projecting therethrough.

FIG. 3 shows the lancing device 10 with the upper housing shell 22 a removed to show internal portions thereof. As depicted, an inner drive core 70 is engaged in a fixed position within the housing 20 by one or more interengaging surface features or coupling elements. For example, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 4, the interengaging features can include retaining openings 25 a, 25 b formed within the housing shells 22 a, 22 b respectively, and pins 74 a, 74 b formed on the inner drive core 70. As such, the pin 74 a is retained within the retaining opening 25 a (unshown) of the upper housing shell 22 a, and pin 74 b is retained within the opening 25 b of the lower housing shell 22 b, thus retaining the drive core 70 in a fixed position therein. In example embodiments, a portion of the inner drive mechanism is mounted to translationally slide within an axial bore or channel through the inner drive core 70. Alternatively, the inner drive core can be translationally mounted within the housing for axial adjustment of its position, to provide for depth adjustment. As depicted, the drive mechanism includes a lancet carrier 80 having a collar or sleeve 82 at a proximal end thereof forming a receiver for releasably engaging a lancet, and a distal end generally opposite thereto includes an engagement knob 83 for providing engagement with a spring retainer 87 (see FIGS. 5-7). In alternative single-use disposable embodiments, the lancet and carrier may comprise a single unitary part.

In the depicted embodiment, a drive spring 92 and a return spring 94 are retained on the lancet carrier 80 between a medial portion of the lancet carrier 80 (defining a cam follower surface feature 84) and the spring retainer 87 that is coupled to the engagement knob 83 (see FIG. 8). For example, the drive spring 92 can be retained between the distal end of the cam feature 84 and a interior distal wall (unshown) of the inner drive core 70, and the return spring 94 can be engaged between an exterior distal wall 72 (generally opposite the interior distal wall) and the spring retainer 87. In other embodiments, a single spring is provided for driving and returning the lancet. In the depicted embodiment, the cam feature 84 of the lancet carrier 80 forms a portion of the charging mechanism that provides retraction to the lancet carrier 80 subsequent to the actuation of the charging button 60, as described below.

FIG. 4 shows an assembly view of the lancing device having portions removed to show internal portions thereof. As depicted, the assembled drive mechanism and charging mechanism provide for the retraction and the advancement of the lancet carrier 80 along the lancing stroke. In example embodiments, the charging mechanism generally comprises the charging button or rocker/lever 60 and the cam feature 84 of the lancet carrier 80. In general, the charging lever 60 is positioned on a side of the lancing device 10 wherein actuation of the same causes the charging lever 60 to pivot or rock, moving into the device housing, thus allowing for a substantially short and compact charging motion. In one form, the charging lever 60 comprises a pivot axle bore 61 for pivotally mounting to a pivot axle or pin 29 of the housing 20 (see FIG. 7). A channel or opening 62 is provided on the charging button wherein a torsion spring 96 can axially align with the pivot bore 61 to bias the charging button outwardly. Further, the charging button 60 comprises a finger-like cam-actuator projection or boss 64 extending therefrom and shaped for engaging an arcuately curved or inclined ramped surface 88 of the cam-follower feature 84, to retract and charge the lancet carrier 80. Preferably, the boss 64 is shaped to movably engage the follower surface 88 as the charging button 60 pivots inwardly relative to the housing when a user presses the interface portion 66 to charge the device. Optionally, ridged or knurled surface features or rib-like channels 67 can be provided on the user interface contact surface to facilitate pressing the user interface portion 66 of the charging button 60 therein. In example embodiments, the charging lever or rocker 60 is pivotal about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal advancement and retraction axis of the lancet carrier 80. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, the pivotal motion of the charging lever 60 (about a first or transverse axis A) is generally orthogonal to the translating motion of the lancet carrier 80 (along a second or longitudinal axis B).

FIGS. 5-6 show perspective views of the drive mechanism. In example forms, portions of the inner drive core 70 are shaped and configured to provide for engagement of the boss 64 with ramped surface 88 of the cam feature 84. For example, an outwardly projecting rib 85 (and protrusion 86 extending therefrom) formed with the lancet carrier 80 are received within a slot or guide channel 78 formed along a side of the inner drive chassis or core 70. Preferably, the rib 85 and protrusion 86 can freely traverse within the channel 78 such that any contact therebetween does not inhibit the movement of the lancet carrier 80. As such, the guidance of the channel 78 generally aligns the ramped surface 88 of the cam feature 84 with an appropriate position to allow for movable engagement with boss 64. As depicted in FIG. 6, a charging channel 76 is provided on a side of the inner drive core 70 to accommodate the boss 64 with extending therethrough to engage the ramped surface 88 and retract the lancet carrier 80 to a charged position. Generally, the cam-actuator or boss 64 and the cam-follower feature 84 are cooperatively shaped such that a pivotal motion of the charging lever 60 (causing rotation of the boss 64) engages the boss 64 against the follower 84, and the boss 64 slides along the cam-follower surface to translationally retract the lancet carrier 80. The cam-follower feature 84 may be generally integral with the lancet carrier 80; and/or the cam follower and/or other portions of the lancet carrier 80 may be separable components wherein some form of pre-assembly is required.

As the charging lever 60 is pressed (causing the same to pivot therein about axis A) to retract the lancet carrier 80, the protrusion 86 moves rearwardly wherein it will eventually engage an opening or bore 34 of the release button 30. Preferably, a portion of the release button 30 includes one or more resilient fingers 36 for biasing the bore 34 against the inner drive core 70 so that the lancet carrier 80 is retained in the charged state when retracted, and wherein actuation of the release button 30 removes the protrusion 86 from the bore 34 to release the lancet carrier 80. In example forms, the resilient fingers 36 engage an engagement bar 27 formed with the lower housing shell 22 b. In other embodiments, another trigger release or actuating mechanism can be included.

The sequence of operation of the lancing device 10 generally includes the lancet carrier 80 moving from a neutral position (FIG. 8A), to a charged position (FIG. 8B), to a ready position (FIG. 8C), to an extended position of the lancing stroke (FIG. 8D), and back to the neutral position (FIG. 8A). In the neutral position (FIG. 8A), the lancet carrier 80 is generally positioned in an equilibrium or neutral position wherein the open end of the collar or sleeve 82 is generally flush with the open end of the housing 20. The charging lever 60 is generally biased outwardly by the biasing spring 96 such that the finger projection 64 minimally extends through the charging channel 76 of the inner drive core 70. As best seen in FIG. 8B, the user actuated portion 66 of the charging lever 60 is pressed into the housing 20 (indicated by angular-motion arrow), which causes the finger projection or boss 64 to move through the charging channel 76 and into the cam feature 84. As such, contact of the boss 64 with the ramped surface 88 causes the lancet carrier 80 to retract (indicated by the translational-motion arrow). In example forms, the ramped surface 88 is generally shaped to provide a continuous surface for providing sliding engagement with the boss 64, for example, wherein movement of the boss 64 across the ramped surface 88 causes the lancet carrier 80 to retract. In one form, the ramped surface 88 is substantially non-linear wherein a pivotal motion of the charging lever causes translational movement to the lancet carrier 80. Preferably, the retraction of the lancet carrier 80 causes the protrusion 86 extending therefrom (see FIGS. 5-6) to engage the bore 34 of the release button 30, for example, wherein the lancing device 10 is charged (e.g., charging the drive spring 92) and ready to move along the lancing stroke upon actuation of the release button 30.

As shown in FIG. 8C, when the charging lever 60 is released, the biasing spring 96 returns the button to its neutral position (indicated by the angular-motion arrow). As the charging button so returns, its boss 64 generally positions itself back within a portion of the charging channel 76 (as shown in the neutral position of FIG. 8A). Preferably, the position of the boss 64 is such that contact, if any at all, with the cam feature 84 during actuation of the drive mechanism will not alter the behavior of the lancet carrier 80. When the release button 30 is pressed, the bore 34 of the same is removed from engagement with the protrusion 86, thereby allowing the drive spring 92 to propel the lancet carrier 80 along the lancing stroke (indicated by the translational-motion arrow) wherein the sharp tip portion of the lancet (unshown) projects external the housing (FIG. 8D). Preferably, the return spring 94 or other biasing members therein cause retraction of the lancet carrier back to the neutral position (FIG. 8A). Optionally, removal of the endcap 40 allows for removal of the used lancet and replacement with a new lancet. Optionally, an ejection mechanism may be provided for removal of the used lancet.

In additional example embodiments, the charging mechanism can be provided with a translational charging actuator button, for example, wherein a substantially linear ramped surface may be provided with the lancet carrier, and wherein pushing the charging button inwardly along a translational axis generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of motion of the lancet carrier can retract the lancet carrier to a charged state. As such, the charging lever can be provided with a finger projection or boss (shaped as desired) to accommodate engagement with the ramped surface of the lancet carrier to charge the lancing device.

The systems and methods of the example forms of the invention enable the user to charge the drive mechanism by redirecting the pivotal motion of pushing or pressing the user actuated portion or actuator 66 transversely inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the housing, through a cam feature having a ramped surface, to result in an axial charging motion. In example forms, the charging mechanism is operable by compression of an actuator mounted on a lateral side surface of the device housing, proximal or adjacent to the trigger or release button. Accordingly, the user may both charge and activate the device without having to adjust its position in their hand. Optionally, as similarly described above, the drive mechanism may be alternatively charged by redirecting a translational motion of pushing or pressing the user actuated portion or actuator transversely inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the housing, through a cam feature having a ramped surface, to result in a similar axial charging motion.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lancing device comprising a housing, a lancet carrier translationally mounted at least partially within an interior of the housing, and a charging mechanism comprising an actuator operable by pushing toward the interior of the housing to retract the lancet carrier toward a charged position.
 2. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a cam actuator that contacts a cam-follower surface of the lancet carrier to retract the lancet carrier toward a charged position.
 3. The lancing device of claim 2, wherein the cam-follower surface of the lancet carrier comprises an arcuately curved surface.
 4. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a rocker pivotal about a first axis and the lancet carrier is mounted to translate along a second axis generally transverse the first axis.
 5. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is mounted to translate along a first axis and the lancet carrier is mounted to translate along a second axis generally transverse the first axis.
 6. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator operates upon a non-linear surface of the lancet carrier to retract the lancet carrier toward a charged position.
 7. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator operates upon a linear surface of the lancet carrier to retract the lancet carrier toward a charged position.
 8. A charging mechanism for a lancing device, the charging mechanism comprising an actuation member having a user interface portion projecting external of a housing of the lancing device and a cam-actuator portion extending internally within the housing, and a cam-follower feature comprising a ramped surface of the lancet carrier for operable engagement by the cam-actuator, wherein pressure on the interface portion moves the cam-actuator into operable engagement with the ramped surface of the lancet carrier to retract the lancet carrier to a charged state.
 9. The charging mechanism of claim 8, wherein the actuation member is pivotal about a first axis and the lancet carrier is mounted to translate along a second axis generally transverse the first axis.
 10. The charging mechanism of claim 8, wherein the actuation member is mounted to translate along a first axis and the lancet carrier is mounted to translate along a second axis generally transverse the first axis.
 11. The charging mechanism of claim 8, wherein the ramped surface is curved.
 12. The charging mechanism of claim 8, wherein the ramped surface is substantially linear.
 13. A charging mechanism for a lancing device having a lancet carrier that is movable along a lancing stroke, the charging mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted actuating member and a follower, the actuating member being pivotal about a first axis that is generally transverse to the movement of the lancet carrier along the lancing stroke, said follower having a ramped surface for operable engagement by the actuating member, wherein compression of the actuating member operates upon the ramped surface of the follower to retract the lancet carrier to a charged state.
 14. The charging mechanism of claim 13, wherein the ramped surface of the cam feature is non-linear.
 15. A method of charging a lancing device, the method comprising pushing a pivotally mounted charging lever inwardly relative to a housing of the lancing device, to retract a translationally mounted lancet carrier into a charged state.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pivotally mounted charging lever comprises a boss extending inwardly from a user actuation surface, and the lancet carrier comprises a follower surface, whereby pushing the charging lever inwardly relative to a housing operatively engages the boss against the follower surface to retract the lancet carrier. 